A few forms such as spondylids and some nuculanids have teeth that
interlock so as to be difficult or impossible to separate without
breaking the shell.  Otherwise, muscle and ligament are what holds the
shell together and can be cut.  Viewing the hinge in a live animal is
not often possible, not counting X rays.

--
Dr. David Campbell
425 Scientific Collections
University of Alabama
"I think of my happy condition, surrounded by acres of clams"

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